The Power of Music and Memories

We’ve all felt it, the universal power of music. Listening to a song can transport you right back to a moment – maybe your first kiss, your wedding day, or a cherished memory with someone special.

It’s clear that music touches our hearts and minds in ways that words often can’t, being able to lift our spirits, make us smile, or get our toes tapping. For older people and those living with dementia, music can be even more powerful – a connection to precious memories, emotions, and relationships.

At We Change Lives (WCL), we’ve seen the magic of music first-hand. Let’s take a closer look at why music matters and how it’s making a difference for older people and those with dementia and Alzheimer's across the country.

Elderly women sit in pink chairs, engaged as a person plays guitar. White walls with framed art in the background. Warm, lively atmosphere.

How Music Impacts Our Memories

Music has a unique way of reaching parts of the brain where other forms of communication may struggle. Even when words can become difficult, music continues to be a bridge.

A recent study found that 80-year-olds can identify familiar tunes just as well as teenagers, highlighting how musical memory persists with age.¹ For people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s, engaging with music has been shown to unlock deeply stored memories and emotions, helping them reconnect with their personal histories. In fact, music therapy has been linked to significant improvements in verbal fluency, mood, and social bonds, while also reducing anxiety, depression, and apathy.²

These findings highlight why familiar songs tied to life events can be so comforting and grounding. At WCL, we make music an integral part of our care. And it often becomes a shared language – a way to communicate when other methods can fall short.

Three elderly women seated on upholstered chairs, one in red smiling, another in blue laughing. Art on white walls in the background. Warm mood.

Music in Action at WCL

At We Change Lives, music is more than just a nice-to-have. It's a core part of our human-centred care and how we create meaningful experiences. Here’s how we make it happen:

Making it Personal: We play songs that matter most to the people we support, everything from Elvis classics to jazzy tunes. Familiar music has the power to spark joy, stir memories, and even kick off impromptu dance parties!
Creating Shared Moments: Singalongs and get-togethers bring people together. Eileen’s singalong of her favourite Irish songs was an unforgettable one – truly a celebration of family, generations, and connection.
Interactive Experiences: We bring music to life with hands-on activities like drumming sessions or magical themed visits, such as a Mary Poppins day featuring Disney classics.
Creative Spaces: Our ‘Musical Walk Through Time’ corridor is a daily source of joy. Adorned with iconic images and memorabilia, this space inspires conversation, recognition, and plenty of smiles.
Festive Joy: Over the holidays, our homes were filled with music – from the voices of Priestley College’s Christmas choir to the beautiful performance by the Parker family brass ensemble. These moments remind us of how much music can bring people together.

These moments, big and small, show how deeply music is woven into daily life at WCL. It’s not just an activity; it’s a way of making every day special.

Dave, an Older People Activity Partner, playing a familiar tune 🎵

Incredible Work Across the UK

Organisations across the UK are using music in creative ways to support people:

Alzheimer’s Society and Playlist for Life create personalised playlists and host singalongs and games that help people reconnect with cherished memories.
Lost Chord UK brings joy through live music sessions in care homes and community spaces.
BBC Music Memories and BBC Memory Radio curate audio experiences to spark nostalgia and bring comfort.

A Musical Note of Thanks

At We Change Lives, we believe in the power of small, meaningful moments to transform lives – especially for those living with dementia and Alzheimer’s - and music plays a big part in that.

We’re so grateful to everyone who helps us bring these musical experiences to life. Whether it’s through time, talent, or generosity, your support helps us create moments that matter.

Our mission is simple: supporting people to live their best lives. Together, we’re making a real difference in the lives of the people we support – one note, one song, one memory at a time.